David Robbins places flowers at the site where the first bomb detonated near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Boylston Street on April 24 in Boston. / Michael Dwyer, AP

by Staff reports, USA TODAY Sports

by Staff reports, USA TODAY Sports

Boston Marathon runners who were unable to complete the race because they were stopped after bombs exploded at the finish are being invited back, race organizers announced Thursday.

More than 5,600 official starters weren't able to cross the line at Boylston Street on April 15 as the race was stopped at 2:50 p.m. ET. Those runners will be given entry to next year's race when registration opens in September. They will be required to pay an entry fee, which hasn't been determined yet.

"The opportunity to run down Boylston Street and to cross the finish line amid thousands of spectators is a significant part of the entire Boston Marathon experience," Boston Athletic Association executive director Tom Grilk said in a press release. "With the opportunity to return and participate in 2014, we look forward to inviting back these athletes and we expect that most will renew their marathon training commitment. Boston spectators are known for their impassioned support and unbridled enthusiasm, and they will give these returning athletes some of the loudest cheers at next year's race."

Race organizers have emailed 5,633 runners who are eligible for the offer. Of this group, almost half (2,611) are from Massachusetts and 726 are international entrants.

To be eligible, runners must have reached the half marathon mark on April 15.

The BAA said no decision has been made on the maximum field size for the 2014 race. Boston accepts race entrants based on qualifying time, with the fastest qualifiers (in relation to their age and gender) being accepted first until the race is full. For example, a man in the 18 to 34 age group must run a qualifying time of 3 hours, 5 minutes. A woman in that age group requires a time of 3 hours, 35 minutes.